Home Security Blog

If you are looking for a wireless sensor solution that comes fully integrated into a door or window, then Andersen Doors and Windows might be for you. There are many Andersen Doors and Windows that come with integrated 345 MHz wireless sensors for using with a compatible alarm system.

The wireless sensors that come built into Andersen Doors and Windows are commonly referred to as Andersen Verilock Sensors. For a complete list of Andersen Doors and Windows that utilize these integrated sensors, please see this FAQ as a reference. While we are specifically using this post to highlight the compatibility between the Andersen Verilock Sensors and the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, there is no reason why you couldn't also use these sensors with a different 345 MHz system, like the Honeywell Lyric or one of the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels.

The 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus serves as a great system for the integrated Andersen Door and Window Sensors, specifically due to the fact that the IQ2+ supports a large number of wireless zones (up to 128). This is important because each Andersen Verilock Sensor will typically use two (2) wireless zones for full system operation. One zone (Loop 1) will monitor for the door or window being opened/closed. The other zone (Loop 2) will monitor for the door or window being locked/unlocked. These sensors have a wireless range of roughly 500 feet when used in an open air environment. Remember that obstacles like thick walls and large metal objects can reduce wireless range.

One very important thing to note about Andersen products is that they are typically only sold through licensed Andersen dealers. Alarm Grid cannot sell these sensors directly. Also, Andersen mandates in its terms of service that their integrated door and window sensors only be installed by professional installers who are certified and approved by Andersen. Failure to comply with the Andersen terms of service can result in the warranty for your door or window being terminated. It is strongly advised that you visit the Andersen website and contact a dealer in your area if you are serious about installing these doors and/or windows.

While Andersen does have strict policies regarding the sale and installation of their integrated sensors, they also have an extensive YouTube Channel with lots of informational and how-to videos involving their products. It is truly a great resource for everyone from the DIY weekend warrior looking to complete their own installation, to the professional installer certified by Andersen. We posted a general informational video from Andersen above, but there are plenty more to check out if you are hoping to learn more about these products.

The best complement for Andersen Security Doors and Windows is alarm monitoring service. And that is a job for Alarm Grid! We offer monitoring plans for all needs and budgets so that you can have an automatic response if your Andersen Door or Window detects activity. If you are hoping to get started with Alarm Grid monitoring service, feel free to email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Our technicians and security planners will be happy to help you get started with monitoring service for your home or business. We check our email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

If you're looking for a versatile and effective smart lock solution, then August Smart Lock devices might be for you! There are all sorts of useful integrations you can set up using August Smart Locks, and you can certainly find an option that works for you with the right equipment!

The easiest way to interface an August Smart Lock with a security system is through Z-Wave. Many wireless alarm panels readily accept Z-Wave devices, and the pairing process is actually very easy. The important thing to remember though is that only the August Smart Lock PRO offers Z-Wave functionality. The PRO is the version of the August Smart Lock sold by Alarm Grid. If you have a non-PRO model, then it won't be able to do Z-Wave.

The advantage to pairing an August Smart Lock PRO with your security system as a Z-Wave device is that it will be automatically pushed over to an interactive automation platform used with your system. This is typically Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com depending on the system you are using. By having your August Smart Lock PRO on the same platform as your other automation devices, you can create robust smart scenes for automatic operation. This truly is a great way to get the most out of your August device!

But let's say that you have the non-Z-Wave, "standard" model. There are still ways in which you can include your August Lock with your automation network. The August Connect WIFI Bridge will allow you to connect your August Smart Lock with a local WIFI network. This is possible for both the PRO and non-PRO models. By doing this, you can complete a server-to-server integration with Total Connect 2.0. We have a handy FAQ on the subject that you can view here. Please note that this WIFI integration is only available for TC2. If you want to integrate an August Lock with Alarm.com, then it has to be through Z-Wave. And if you need to buy both the August Smart Lock PRO and the August Connect Bridge, then make sure to scope out this bundled package that includes both!

Lastly, if you are a frequent user of iOS devices and Apple HomeKit, then you might be interested in pairing your August Smart Lock PRO with your HomeKit network. This can technically be accomplished without any extra equipment, as any August Smart Lock PRO is capable of communicating with a dedicated HomeKit hub across a Bluetooth connection. However, we usually recommend using the August Connect Bridge for this job, as the connection will be more reliable. Using WIFI instead of Bluetooth also allows the lock and the Apple HomeKit hub to be located further apart. For more info on using your August Lock with HomeKit, check out this FAQ.

The August Smart Lock PRO and the optional Connect WIFI Bridge are both available for purchase from Alarm Grid! If you have any questions about the August Smart Lock PRO, or if you want to learn more about monitoring service for access to Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, send us an email to support@alarmgrid.com. We're always happy to help you explore your options so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. Our support and planner teams check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We have learned that DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems and the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Commercial Stream Video Recorder have new updates available. Both updates are quite minor. The PowerSeries NEO update (Version 1.36) can be requested from ADC. The ADC-CSVR126 update will be pushed automatically.

You may recall last week that there was an update for PowerSeries NEO Communicators. Well this one is for the NEO panel itself. It includes a minor fix related to the operation of interconnected smoke and heat detectors and their visual verification feature. Alarm Grid customers can contact us to push the upgrade from Alarm.com. If the update is sent across cellular, then a small fee may be charged by Alarm.com, and will be applied to your next bill.

As for the Alarm.com ADC-CSVR126 Commercial Stream Video Recorder, its new update merely updates the certificates the device uses with the Alarm.com platform. End users should not notice any change in the device's performance. Updates will be pushed down automatically over time, but you can also have the update pushed down manually if desired. No charge is required to do so. For reference, the new firmware is Firmware V4.1.10.190628.

The best way for an Alarm Grid customer to request one of these updates is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We check email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. And if you are interested in becoming an Alarm Grid customer with access to Alarm.com, please check out our monitoring page We look forward to hearing from you!

Today marks the first day for many of us at Alarm Grid in returning to our headquarters! After working from home for the past couple of months, we are eager to come back. We are returning in waves, so not everyone will be back at once. This is due to new health and safety requirements.

Unfortunately, our support technicians and our planners won't be returning to the office for a few more weeks. This will allow us to better-conform with CDC guidelines. And as per new occupational safety requirements, we have already outfitted our headquarters with some upgrades to encourage social distancing. We intend on being completely safe and cautious with our transition back.

With our technicians and planners continuing to work from home, nothing will change in terms of your end user experience. Any orders will continue to be sent out by our shipping team like normal. Just keep in mind that some products may be backordered. If you want to make sure that an item is in stock, just contact us, and we'll be happy to check.

We can say that since our content team is returning, we will have some long-awaited videos being uploaded soon! Our usual video stars won't be returning right away, so you'll have to settle for a few of myself. We think our regular guys will be back soon though!

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on everyone, us included. But we are proud to say that we have made an excellent transition to working from home. And now, we're excited to get back to our usual spot!

If you would like to learn more about Alarm Grid or sign-up for monitoring, the best way to contact us is by email at support@alarmgrid.com. If you want to reach us by phone it's (888) 818-7728. We operate business hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you moving into a new home? Alarm Grid will do its part to help make your relocation as easy as possible! You can usually bring your existing security system and activate it for monitoring service at your new house. We can help you every step of the way, from planning to testing!

Before you cancel your existing service, you should remember that Alarm Grid charges you month to month. When you pay your monthly bill, you are essentially paying in advanced for your next month of monitoring service. If you plan to move then you should try and cancel your service before your next billing cycle. That way, you won't get charged an extra month. We are happy to cancel your plan at the last minute if it means preventing an extra bill. But we can't refund you once you have already been charged, so make sure to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that there are no fees to cancel service, or to start new service. You will not pay anything extra to bring your service from your old location to your new one. To us, this is the same as us cancelling an old account and opening a new one.

When making move, you are often left to decide whether you should bring your existing system or start fresh with a new one. And really, it depends. If you have a wired system that would be difficult to bring, or if you have an older wireless system, then it might worth getting a new system. This could also be a good time to get a new LTE cellular communicator if you have been using an older 3G or CDMA module. On the other hand if you have one of the newer wireless systems that we often talk about, like the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, or the 2GIG GC3e, then you should totally bring it! You can also bring your wireless sensors and set them up around your new home.

Whether you brought your existing system or found a new one, you will follow the same general process for setting it up. If you don't want to mount the panel to the wall, then a desk mount might be a great option. And if you are using double-sided foam tape to mount your wireless sensors, then you will probably want to pick some up. Double-sided foam tape isn't too expensive, and you can find it in pretty much any major retail outlet or a hardware store. You can always drill some holes and hard-mount your panel and sensors if you prefer. It's completely up to you.

Once you have your system set up, you can go through the same easy activation process as one of our new customers. Remember that you or a designated individual will need to be on-site and able to work with the system at the time of activation. Check these tips for making your activation as easy as possible. You should visit our monitoring page or email us at support@alarmgrid.com to choose an activation slot. The activation is a great time to get an updated Certificate of Alarm for an insurance discount at your new home. Just make sure to have all of the applicable sensors powered on and enrolled with your system before the activation. And please feel free to email us beforehand if you have any questions. We have activation slots available from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you during your move

If you recall last year, we made a post about a loyal Alarm Grid customer naming his cat after our company. Well, we're a bit early this time around, but it's a slow news day and all, so we figured we'd take the time to wish Alarm Grid (the cat) a happy 1st birthday! We hope it's purr-fect!

Alarm Grid the Cat lives with loyal Alarm Grid customer Brett in Philadelphia, MS. Brett has been an Alarm Grid customer since 2015, and we are thrilled that he continues to choose us for monitoring service. We take great pride in keeping all of our customers protected and safe, including Brett and his family. Thank you Brett for choosing Alarm Grid the company!

Brett says that he isn't exactly sure of Alarm Grid the Cat's official birthday, only stating that it is around "mid-June". Our post last year was from June 21st, so we're probably a bit early here. But we didn't want to forget this special time. We also recommend checking out last year's post that is linked above so you can see just how much Alarm Grid the Cat has grown. She's getting to be a big girl! We're sure that Brett and his family are taking great care of her.

If you want to receive monitoring service like Brett and Alarm Grid the Cat, make sure to check out our monitoring page to learn more about our monitoring plans. And if you decide to name your pet or child after us, feel free to shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com. We might consider posting a blog about the honor! Our team checks new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid has learned that a firmware update for the Honeywell 6290W Touchscreen Keypad is available. Honeywell 6290W Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002 corrects an issue where the keypad Disarm screen does not automatically appear when the Honeywell VISTA System goes into its Entry Delay.

Resideo never made a public announcement about Firmware Update 2.01.028.0002, so it's possible that it may have already been out for a little while. However, we only just heard about it the other day. Although the change it makes is relatively minor, having the Disarm screen automatically appear when the system is in its Entry Delay should make things more convenient for end users. That way, you won't have to manually pull up the Disarm screen when entering the premises and disarming your system. We recommend upgrading to the latest firmware as soon as possible if you haven't already.

Firmware updates for the Honeywell 6290W are provided automatically over-the-air (OTA) from the Resideo AlarmNet360 Servers. They are not pushed down manually, so there is no need to contact us to request the update. However, you must enable WIFI and enable Remote Upgrading for the keypad in order for the update to be automatically sent down. Once the 6290W has checked-in with the AlarmNet Server, the update will be put into a queue and pushed down as soon as possible. This usually occurs within 24 to 48 hours of the keypad checking-in. Alarm Grid recently uploaded a document that shows the process for enabling WIFI and Remote Upgrading, which you can view here.

As a quick reference, WIFI is enabled by pressing the Settings icon (the gear) on the main screen, followed by "System WIFI". From there, toggle the WIFI option, and select the desired WIFI network. Enter the network's password, and click on Connect. Once the process is complete, return to the home screen by clicking on the picture of the house. Next, enable Remote Updating by clicking the Settings icon again and choosing System Info. Click on the Enable Remote Upgrade option to turn on the feature. You can then return home.

Remember, the Settings icon for the keypad looks like .

If you are monitored by Alarm Grid and you need additional assistance enabling OTA updates, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We check for new emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: After the update is pushed down to the keypad, it will only be applied once the system is in a disarmed state with no faulted zones and no trouble conditions, including low battery or AC power loss. The update will also be delayed if the system is in programming mode or if there is a zone in alarm memory. The keypad will reboot as part of the update process.

With Father's Day right around the corner (Sunday, June 21st), we thought it'd be a good time to suggest some security and automation gifts to surprise the dad in your life. You don't need to get your dad another neck-tie this year. We've got some neat gifts that dad is sure to love!

The Gift of Security!

If dad doesn't have a security system yet, then he's really missing out. You can have peace of mind in knowing that his home is safe while he's out doing dad stuff like golfing, fishing, or going to a bbq. Maybe your dad thinks he doesn't need security? Well, you could remind him of a big fat insurance discount that he could get by getting his home monitored. That will excite him even more than a weekend trip to the hardware store.

We have lots of great panels available, though the most popular right now are the Honeywell Lyric and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. These are both wireless panels that are very easy to set up, even for the dad who doesn't know his way around a tool-kit. You won't hear any swear words coming out of the work shed when dad goes to set up his new system. And he'll probably want to show it off to all the neighbors.

Shopping on a Budget?

Okay, totally understand if you're strapped for cash and can't drop a few hundred dollars on a brand-new security system. But just because you're looking to spend $30 rather than $300 doesn't mean you can't make dad smile. If your dad already has a system, then why not get him a new sensor or two? Door and window contacts are always affordable. Just get a model that works with dad's security system. The VERSA-2GIG and the VERSA-GE are both extremely popular, and they won't break the bank!

Maybe you've already surprised dad with a contact sensor before? You could always check out some motion sensors. These are great for knowing if someone is snooping around the basement or the garage. Again, you want to make sure you get a model compatible with dad's system. Popular options include the Honeywell SiXPIR, the 2GIG PIR1-345, and the DSC PG9914. And if you aren't sure which models will work with your dad's system, just reach out to us, and we'll be happy to help!

Automation Excitement!

If dad already has a wireless system, then chances are that it doubles as an automation controller. You can surprise dad with some new Z-Wave automation devices for him to pair with his system. Lighting devices are always a great choice. Your dad will be able to turn the lights ON and OFF without getting up, and he can create smart scenes for automatic control. And a great thing about smart lights - they don't break the bank!

Your dad might like an in-wall switch as a nice weekend installation project. Some of our favorite in-wall switches include the GE 14318 and the Resideo Z5SWITCH. Or if your dad is not into wiring, you can get him a plug-in lamp module like the GE 28170 or the Resideo Z5DIMPID. And the great thing about these Z-Wave devices is that they are universally compatible and will work with any system that operates as a Z-Wave controller!

Maybe the smart lighting game has already been introduced to dad's house? In that case, you could make his day with a different automation device like a Z-Wave thermostat. Our favorites right now are the Honeywell T6 PRO and the Alarm.com ADC-T3000. Or if you really want to get your dad something a little more unique, then you could try a smart water valve like the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100. This can be very useful in preventing dad from experiencing the headache of a flooded basement or laundry room.

Help Dad Keep an Eye on the Neighbors

We all know that dads like to know what's going on outside. That is why we'd be foolish not to recommend some outdoor security cameras. These devices are actually easy to install, and they can give your dad a good look at the front lawn while he's tucked away in his man cave. You'll want to consider whether his system supports Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0. For ADC, we like the Alarm.com ADC-V723. If dad has TC2, then go with the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1.

Maybe dad isn't ready to upgrade to video monitoring quite yet? Don't worry! He can still make sure the neighbor kids stay off the lawn with a different type of camera. One popular option is to use a SkyBell Video Doorbell. These can be used without needing to upgrade to a full-on video monitoring plan. There are models for Total Connect 2.0, and others for Alarm.com. Another possibility is to look into the Arlo Cameras that do not use monitoring service through ADC or TC2.

The Best Gift of All!

We've saved the best gift idea for last. It isn't something you can hold in your hand, but it's something that every dad will love, even if they have all the security gadgets under the sun. That is the gift of alarm monitoring service! Why not offer to cover dad's monitoring bill for the next year? That is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Talk it over with dad, and when you're ready, the two of you can contact us to make the arrangements. We'll charge your card every month, with no added fees or sudden surprises. Meanwhile, your dad will be able to spend his money on other important things like new golf clubs or something. Oh dads....

If you haven't already, make sure to check out our monitoring page. This will teach you about the different plans offered from Alarm Grid so that you can choose the perfect one for your dad's needs. Once you're ready, shoot us an email at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 to set things up. Remember that our business hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our team will be thrilled to help you give your dad the gift of home security! We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com has announced that Firmware Update 189G is now available for DSC PowerSeries NEO Dual-Path Communicators. Both the DSC TL880LEAT N AT&T & IP Dual-Path Communicator and the DSC TL880LTVZ N Verizon & IP Dual-Path Communicator can receive the new update from the Alarm.com servers.

Firmware Update 189G provides multiple stability fixes, and it resolves some issues that have been known to affect DSC PowerSeries NEO Communicators. It is recommended that anyone using a DSC PowerSeries NEO with a dual-path communicator for use with Alarm.com has the update pushed down to their system as soon as possible. Any DSC PowerSeries NEO System with a DSC TL880LEAT N or a DSC TL880LTVZ N can receive the update. This includes the DSC HS2016NK, the DSC HS2032NK, the DSC HS2064NK, and the DSC HS2128NK, which are all sold by Alarm Grid.

As is the case with any Alarm.com Firmware Update, there may be a small fee to push this update down to your panel. This fee is applicable if the update is forced to be sent across a cellular network. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, then we will simply add the fee to your next monitoring bill. If your NEO System is properly configured for both IP and cellular, then the update should be sent across the internet, and no fee should be applied.

Remember that this update is for the Alarm.com Dual-Path NEO Communicators only. The update is not for the cell-only communicators. If you have either the DSC TL880LEAT or the DSC TL880LTVZ (the non-N models), then you do not need to request this update. If you have a DSC PowerSeries NEO System that is monitored by Alarm Grid and you aren't sure which communicator you have, then you can email us, and we will be happy to check.

If you are an Alarm Grid monitored customer with a DSC PowerSeries NEO System and one of the Alarm.com Dual-Path Communicators, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com to request the firmware update. Please make sure that your NEO System is powered on and connected with Alarm.com servers so that the update can be pushed down successfully. Our support team checks email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

There have been ongoing reports that a recent batch of Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Audio Takeover Modules are unable to interface with Honeywell Panels. We believe that this issue is temporary and that future batches will not have this problem. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you aren't familiar with the FF345, it is a smoke detector and CO detector listening module that actively listens for the distinct sound of an activated smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor. Any high-voltage or conventional smoke detector that produces the corresponding Temporal 3 sound, as well as any CO detector that produces the Temporal 4 sound, can be used with the FF345. By enrolling the FF345 with your system and installing it within six (6) inches of your existing smoke detector or CO sensor, you can indirectly "takeover" the existing unit and have it operate as a true life-safety sensor on your system.

Normally, the FF345 operates on the same 345 MHz wireless frequency as the Honeywell 5800 Sensors. This makes it compatible with the Honeywell Lyric, the Honeywell LYNX Touch Panels, any Honeywell VISTA Panel with an added wireless receiver, the 2GIG Panels, and the 345 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Recent reports have indicated that a new batch of FF345 sensors is not compatible with the aforementioned Honeywell Panels. We also believe that compatibility with the 345 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus may be affected, though this has not been tested or confirmed. Our understanding is that these sensors will still work just fine with the 2GIG Panels, including the 2GIG GC2, 2GIG GC2e, 2GIG GC3, and 2GIG GC3e.

Alarm Grid is currently having conversations with the manufacturer and our suppliers to determine a solution to this problem. We understand that many of our customers rely on FF345 devices to takeover existing hardwired smoke detectors and CO detectors. This problem is of great concern to us, as we strive to provide our customers with a simple and effective solution for integrating life-safety sensors with their systems. We will provide further updates as we learn more.